How Thailand is Becoming More LGBTQ-Friendly
by Christine Kinori
The overall perception on homosexuality in Thailand is relatively liberal compared to other Asian countries. Despite the law prohibiting same-sex interactions and marriages, there is a sizeable number of vibrant LGBTQ+ citizens in the country. When it comes to foreign LGBTQ+ visitors, however, Thailand is well renowned for its lax policy on same-sex relations. In recent years, Thailand is becoming more tolerant and receptive of LGBTQ+ people through various policy and cultural changes.
Primarily, most Thailand cities show great hospitality to LGBTQ+ tourists. An array of assorted same-sex bars and nightclubs litter top Thai cities like Bangkok. However, the Thai society is still reluctant to accept local homosexuals and transgender people. This differential judgement of LGBTQ+ natives is chiefly fuelled by local conservative culture and religion; Thai beliefs center on bad karma and reincarnation for sexual sinners. Most Thai people are Buddhists; a religion that advocates for strict heteronormativity among its members. While gay tourists are more than welcome to visit and enjoy Thailand, local LGBTQ+ community members face low tolerance levels from the same populace. Same-sex locals face real discrimination and alienation from society by their heterosexual colleagues. It is pure double standard how LGBTQ+ people in Thailand are considered cursed or lost while their tourist counterparts are exempted from judgement. It can be argued that Thailand has chosen to look the other way with foreigners based on the sheer revenue generated by tourism. Morally speaking, foreign homosexuals are not any better than the local LGBTQ+ community but of course their economic disparity is seemingly the decisive factor in this case.
Additionally, Thailand is keen to alter the existing laws inorder to make them more LGBTQ-friendly. A 2013 law amendment named the Life and Partnership Bill was introduced to parliament and has been under discussion since. The bill seeks to increase LGBTQ+ rights in the country through the legalization of same-sex marriages and enshrinement of LGBTQ+ civil liberties in the constitution. In real sense, the new law would only reaffirm the position of Thai people with regard to gay laws. On the ground, LGBTQ+ people are generally well-tolerated but that freedom is hardly replicated on paper.
Thailand’s desire to relax its stance on homosexuality is welcome news to the LGBTQ+ community in the Asian country. Nonetheless, legal amendments to accommodate the gay community are hindered by a serious lack of LGBTQ individuals in the relevant powerful government positions. The proposed changes in the law are not exactly perfect for same-sex relations but represent a great step in the right direction.
Moreover, Thailand has embarked on a progressive public awareness campaign. With homophobia still quite entrenched in most parts of the country, extensive public education and LGBTQ+ sensitization is required if Thai people are to better understand and subsequently embrace the LGBTQ+ community. In recent years, Thailand has hosted notable LGBTQ+ functions to further underline the country’s sexual liberalism. The Miss International Queen Pageant is an annual beauty contest for transgender women; the largest of its kind globally. Miss Tiffany’s Universe is another transgender beauty event held annually at Pattaya to champion for LGBTQ+ equality and rights. Such high profile events serve to familiarize the public with LGBTQ+ community; heterosexual people are able to view gay people as normal human beings with similar needs and wants. Public awareness of the LGBTQ+ community aims at restoration of the lost humanity that enables heterosexual people to recognize, respect and co-exist with homosexual and transgender people.
As an Asian country, Thailand has made great strides in the war against homophobia and transphobia. Increased tolerance for the LGBTQ+ community is boosted by a liberal environment for non-heteronormative tourists, legal amendments to accommodate gay rights and through a gradual cultural shift towards inclusivity and humanity. However, Thailand still has a long way to go to achieve social equality and equity with regard to its LGBTQ+ residents.
About the Author:
Christine Siamanta Kinori grew up in a little village in Kenya known as Loitoktok near the border of Kenya and Tanzania. All she wanted to do when she grew up was to explore the world. Her curiosity led her to join Nairobi University to pursue a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She later got a job with an amazing travel magazine Nomad Africa which gave her the opportunity to explore Africa. She also writes for numerous travel websites about Africa and tries to create a new narrative in the media about our aesthetic continent.
Christine claims to have somewhat unhealthy addiction to TV and reading, as it is a fun way to keep herself occupied during the long journeys for her travel writing. She is also a believer of letting people be their beautiful selves. To her, love is love and it is the greatest gift we have as humans.
